Finland may not be considered a traditional basketball powerhouse, but one thing is clear heading into EuroBasket 2025: the team has one of the best players in the tournament. Lauri Markkanen , fresh off an All-Star campaign with the Utah Jazz , has become a global star and the centerpiece of Finland’s rise on the international basketball stage. His combination of size, skill, and shot-making makes him a matchup nightmare for even the strongest defenses in Europe.

While Finland has struggled to get past the Round of 16 in recent EuroBasket tournaments, Markkanen gives it a puncher’s chance every single night. After averaging 27.9 points per game in EuroBasket 2022 and following it up with a scorching run of friendly performances this summer, including a 48-point explosion agains

See Full Page